Cristina Odone is a journalist, novelist and broadcaster specialising in the relationship between society, families and faith. She is the director of communications for the Legatum institute and is a former editor of the Catholic Herald and deputy editor of the New Statesman. She is married and lives in west London with her husband, two stepsons and a daughter. Her new ebook No God Zone is now available on Kindle.

Rowan Williams: cerebral and kind, but uncomfortable with power

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams, is stepping down. He was the best of men, the most thoughtful of prelates, and few in the Church today can match him for intellectual force. Yet I know I'm not alone in thinking that his ten years as the head of the Anglican Communion have proved a disappointment.

The man who shone in academia and whose pastoral care was exemplary felt uneasy in the world of politics – both clerical and secular. He felt uncomfortable among the bickering factions of his own Church, and deeply saddened by the hatred sparked by such issues as the ordination of women bishops and gay priests. His distaste for politicking made him squander time (and goodwill) in inactivity: he refused to join the fray, and often took a long time to speak out on issues central to the Church, such as, most recently, gay marriage. Too often this left the Church of England looking and feeling rudderless.

Many close to him questioned his judgment when it came to secular politics, too: his unguarded persona was appealing, but also made him vulnerable to accusations of being party-political. When he unwisely accepted to guest edit the New Statesman, Labour's in-house magazine, a year ago, there were many who felt the Archbishop had revealed his hand and betrayed his conservative flock.

Yet there was no doubting Dr Williams's warm humanity and genuine kindness. I have met several clerics, both Anglican and Catholic, who deem him "the best of good men". His gifts simply didn't prepare him for the conflicts inherent in a powerful role.

Dr Williams is retreating to Cambridge, and is right to do so: a university position will suit his remarkable intellect. What a shame that Canterbury did not.